The Beard's fifth studio album, 2000's most aptly titled V, is the apex of their career. Blending commercial moments with technical genius, V leaves the listener with a brilliantly crafted finished product. "At the End of the Day" kicks off V and is nothing short of a classic. "Thoughts, Pt. 2" is intricate yet beautiful. "Goodbye to Yesterday" is a tender ballad. The CD ends with "The Great Nothing," which again displays the genius behind Neal Morse and Spock's Beard. This is the type of CD that needs to be listened to several times before it hits you. But when that moment arrives, the value of V will be recognized. ~ Joseph Scotti